Dirty Pictures, Cyclcross Portland

Cyclocross has been popular in Europe for a while now but the US is just catching on, as you can see by these photos. This new book show a side that many would think was in Europe rather than Portland. Dirty Pictures captures a great insight to Cyclocross in the US. Most hang up their bikes when the weather turns nasty but a small and growing number of us head into Cyclocross for a different sort of training. A cross between Mt. Biking and Road ridding, this inbetween and off season sport is what many need to reintroduce themselves to the sport they love, with a twist of course. Check out the book and a race, you will see why many are hooked.
Cheers

Get In The Water's Fine.

Well January 1st is right around the corner and for many of us, it is the start of the season. Don't get worried the first month is easing back into the workouts. remember find the first triathlon that you want to do and work back from that one. So just get in, don't worry about workouts but more for time the first week in the pool. Go for a 1/2hr then slowly work to an hour and from there bring in the workouts. If you jump in to fast, well you could get burned out. This is a 9 month season for a lot and year round for others. Look at the beginning as getting out and try different things like Cyclocross or snow shoeing. Also try to remember the gym part of the early workouts, hit the gym, remember the core, try CrossFit it will help you find your core and how strong whiled you really are.
Happy Holidays

Xterra Wetsuits, Great Prices, Great Product

So the sales are starting and it seems as though Triathlon companies might be feeling the heat. When you see Velocity - Speedsuit going for $125 it is hard not to purchase, even if you don't need one, eventually you will. You can't argue with Xterra results on this product either, the Velocity is elegantly fast. Just ask the fastest swimmers at both the 2007 and 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship – they were First out of the Water. Or ask 5 of the top 8 age-grouper swimmers at the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship, or the 1st 2nd and 3rd fastest age-group swimmers at the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship. It’s so fast, it’s no wonder the Velocity is the number one choice when wetsuits are verboten. Approved by both USA Triathlon and FINA.
Now get your Christmas gift early I am sure this could replace your wetsuit at many events.

Birthday, New Years, Workout!

Well the new year is coming up fast, time to sign up for 2009 triathlon races. Also as most the gym gets packed, well start a real New Years Tradition, take a ride, run, swim or even a gym workout. There is something about starting the New Year off right, and I mean Jan. 1, 2009 not the 2nd or 3rd. Hopeful there will be snow on the ground if you like that sort of thing and just let yourself get lost.

So this is not just for the New Year how about a Birthday workout, I know most like to sit back and not do anything on their birthday but imagine each year the same workout, pick one from CrossFit and try to improve on that each year, getting older does not mean slower or weaker it just means another day.
Cheers

Rollers

Rollers, tough, challenging and one of the best workouts you can get. Why, well not only are you peddling to keep going but you must balance on 3 inch aluminum roller that are about 2 feet wide. So after about a 1/2 hour you will feel as though you have ridden for well over an hour. You are concentrating the whole time so watching TV is out of the questions, a little break in concentration and off you go. Start by rolling next to a poll (something to brace yourself with) getting going is the toughest part, the rest at the beginning is just learning to ride all over again. You will be surprised on how all over the place you really are, after you see how tough it is to bike in a straight line imagine what you look like on the road, weaving ever so slightly transferred into lost power remember the bike likes to go straight, it scrubs speed when you turn.

Not only do rollers provide the most awesome stationary workout with incredible real-world ride feel, but they're also simple to set-up, store and transport. For warming up before a race or watching the time fly by during an indoor ride, rollers offer the ultimate in versatility and simplicity.

Cheers

Russian Kettlebell, Train Your Core.

Want to train your core, get strong for the upcoming triathlon season, start using Kettlebell's. If you think that you are in shape and have a great center, prepared to be humbled. Andrey Patenko from Russian Kettlebell House will run you through a great workout. First lets say if you are going to take a class, well make sure they are from the source, former Soviet Union should do it. Like Jiu-Jitsu you would take it from the source that has been perfecting it for generations, the Gracie's. KettleBell's are a total body workout and if you mix it with CrossFit you will see results almost instantly. Flexibility, power, strength and core are all addressed and the effects are felt for days.

Here is Russian Kettlebell House's Level One - For Beginners class
This four hour seminar and workshop is the ideal course for non-professionals and athletes alike, interested in safely and properly implementing kettlebell training in their workout. This step-by-step kettlebell experience includes:

Basic and fundamental kettlebell drills
The foundations and history of Russian kettlebell training
Basic kinesiology as it relates to kettlebell training
Acceleration/deceleration and ballistic movements, and its superiority in muscle, joint, ligament and skeletal healing, training and conditioning.
Systema for weight loss, longevity and reversing aging
Systema for breathing, energy, flexibility and healing
Kettlebell training safety and spotting techniques
For professionals we will teach you how to work with your clients, and how to integrate kettlebell training into your clients' health, rehabilitation and strength goals.
And much more ...

Gyms are great for pools, but a specialized Kettlebell workout with achieve more in a month than you could hope to get in a year at a gym. So go out and get a couple Kettlebell's and feel the effects that help you train better and feel better.

Training Peaks Gift Certificates

This is great TrainingPeaks gift certificate for your favorite athlete. Functional and practical, $119 for 12 months. Hooks into all watches and PC or MAC. You don’t have to be a Tour de France podium finisher like Cadel Evans to benefit from using TrainingPeaks. Whether your goal is to post your personal best ride time up your favorite hill, finish a local bike race or, like Cadel Evans, win the Tour de France, TrainingPeaks has the software tools to help you achieve success.

KNAPP'S TOTAL TRIATHLON NIGHT

Local bike shops really pushing cycling to increase awareness is great. From cyclocross to triathlon night a talk about the sport we all love and enjoy. There are not many details on the website but any talk about triathlons are worth the trip. Jersey Area Multisport will be there talking up their club, as well as some USAT Level 1 Trainers.
Check it out, December 18th, 2008

Trek Women's Triathlon Series

It is all coming together, triathlons are starting to see the credit they deserve, more races, more sponsorships and woman's series put on buy a major bike company Trek, life is good!
The TREK Women's Triathlon Series™ plans to hold one dozen races across the country, with nearly 25,000 anticipated participants, making it one of the largest multisport events in the world.
Triathlon legend Sally Edwards, Hall of Fame triathlete, CEO of HeartZones USA, and best-selling author of 22 books on triathlon and fitness training, is the Spokeswoman for the new Series. Sally was formerly the Spokeswoman for the Danskin Women's Triathlon Series

The Series Director and a member of The Xxtra Mile LLC, Maggie Sullivan, has played an integral role in the building of events that have caused participation by women in the sport of triathlon to soar over the past 17 years. Sullivan, and a seasoned group of triathlon veterans, will lead a team of talented event promotion specialists to bring life changing experiences to women and girls across the USA.

The TREK Women's Triathlon Series™ will consist of sprint distance races (1/2 mile Swim; 12 mile Bike; 3 mile Run) in an anticipated 12 markets, including California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New York Metro, North Carolina, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Selected cities within the Series will include "youth focused" triathlons.

Now go sign up!

Operation Phoenix, a better prepared military.

Whether you are pro or con USA Military making sure that in any event they are well prepared can only help, them and the USA.
So what is Operation Phoenix:
"Operation Phoenix is a CrossFit initiative that will raise the necessary funds to equip the entire United States Marine Corps with functional fitness equipment to increase combat preparedness, reduce injury, and strengthen unit cohesion. This will be accomplished through non-profit sales, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations. Every penny raised will go directly to "America's Fighting Force," the USMC."
So Why Help:
"Your help in support of Operation Phoenix not only increases Marines' fitness levels and fosters Marine Corps’ camaraderie, but positions corporate sponsors for networking, PR, and advertising opportunities within the CrossFit community. Additionally, you will find satisfaction in meeting and/or reconnecting with Marines all over the world. According to Coach Greg Glassman, the Corps has been the branch of the military to most rapidly adopt CrossFit into its fitness program. There is a CrossFit gym on or near practically every Marine Corps base in the country, and even one serving troops based in Okinawa, Japan. This is a chance to become a large part.

To put into perspective the population size Corporate Sponsors will be reaching, CrossFit.com sees over 3 million unique computer visits per month. (Many of these computers are shared by several Marines and service members throughout a given day.) Furthermore, CrossFit.com pushes over 50 Terabytes of data per month, with an average time per site visit spanning just over 12 minutes. The community is enormous, and this is your market."

Cross fit is sweeping the Nation and it does not matter what you are trying to accomplish, being an endurance athlete use CrossFit to build a strong, more balanced body.

Slackline great core strength

Gibbon-Slackline
You might ask yourself what is Slacklining, well:
Slacklining is a balance sport which utilizes nylon webbing stretched tight between two anchor points. Slacklining is distinct from tightrope walking in that the line is not held rigidly taut; it is instead dynamic, stretching and bouncing like a long and narrow trampoline. The line's tension can be adjusted to suit the user and different types of dynamic webbing can be used to achieve a variety of feats. The line itself is flat, due to the nature of webbing, thus keeping the slacker's footing from rolling as would be the case with an ordinary rope. The dynamic nature of the line allows for impressive tricks and stunts.

What better way to get in shape and find your center, yes Yoga could help but nothing beats being outside. Gibbon-Slackline is a great way to find that center.

Slacklining is a new and exciting way of life! This sport gets everyone moving! Whether in the garden, in the park, or at the lake - within a few minutes every place can be transformed into one big adventure playground.

We at the Gibbon Slacklines Team have taken on the challenge of promoting this sport worldwide - and we want you to be part of this movement too!

This innovative product range has been engineered to the highest levels of safety and user-friendliness. These pages will tell you everything you need to know about Slacklining, and how to discover this new and exciting way of life!

Registration Open for Multiple 2009 Events: Ironman

Online registration is now available for the 2009 Ford Ironman Louisville, Ironman 70.3 Boise and Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island events.

Ford Ironman Louisville
Event details: Sunday, August 30, 2009
· 6:50 a.m. pro start,
· 7:00 a.m. age group start
· Online registration can be accessed by
visiting Louisville

· Entry Fee: $525.00 (USD)


Ironman 70.3 Boise
Event details: Saturday, June 13, 2009
· 2:00 p.m. race start
· Online registration can be accessed by visiting Boise

· Entry fees:
- $210.00 from 9/01/2008 - 12/31/2008
- $230.00 from 1/01/2009 - 4/30/2009
- $250.00 from 5/01/2009 - 6/12/2009

Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island
Event details: Saturday, July 12, 2009

· 6:00 a.m. race start
· Online registration can be accessed by visiting Rhode Island

· Entry fees:
- $210.00 from 9/01/2008 - 12/31/2008
- $230.00 from 1/01/2009 - 5/31/2009
- $250.00 from 6/01/2009 - 7/11/2009


For more information on Ironman or Ironman 70.3, visit the official Web site at www.ironman.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the races!

Get Registered for 2009

OK New York City triathlon registration is coming fast November 1st so don't miss one of the tri states best and fastest swim triathlon.


Also you have CGI Racing putting on 4 great and fun filled events for 2009. You have 3 for all:
BLACK BEAR TRIATHLON - MAY 31st
NEW JERSEY STATE TRIATHLON - JULY 26th
NORTH EAST TRIATHLON - AUGUST 16th

And one that is only for the women:
PHILADELPHIA WOMEN'S TRIATHLON/DUATHLON - JULY 12th

If you have not had the opportunity to be part of at least one of CGI or NYC triathlons, it really is wonderful. CGI has a fun filled environment that has music open setting for great transitions and events for the spectators.

If nothing else sign up for at least one of the above you will not be disappointed.

Social Networking for Athletes

Social networking can be fun and making connections that help you train or meet new people that have your same interest is important. Welcome to Athelte Focus a in depth place that is all about sport.
AthleteFocus is an online community for action sports athletes of all abilities. It is the place for athletes to connect with each other, coaches, fans, and sponsors. AthleteFocus is a developmental tool which allows athletes on their way to competitive success gain insight into their sport, and gain exposure on a local, regional, national, and international level. It is the place for independent trainers and coaches to connect with potential students, near and far. AthleteFocus is the place for competitors ready for sponsorship to connect with organizations looking for athlete representation. AthleteFocus is the place to immerse yourself in sport, and maximize your exposure.

Let's Relax, Kung Fu Bikes

So every once in a while we need to decompress and not take everything so series. For sum the season is over and watching this weekends Ironman will be very rewarding. Take a couple months off let your body heal and enjoy everything around you, the last 9/10 months have been all about training and competition.
Enjoy your fall and RELAX

KONA, 30 Years!

30 years has gone by and for some I am sure it feels like yesterday when just a handful where standing on the line to start the 1st Ironman. It all started with an announcement at the Waikiki Swim Club Awards in 1977. To settle a "lively discussion" about who were the fittest athletes, swimmers, bikers or runners, John Collins and his wife Judy came up with the idea of combining the Waikiki Roughwater Swim, the Around-Oahu Bike Race (shortened by two miles to make for an easier transition) along with the Honolulu Marathon.

That race was won by Gordon Haller. John Collins finished in just over 17 hours, the time that has become the official cut off time for the event. A year later Tom Warren won and it was the feature on Warren and the race in Sports Illustrated that set the wheels rolling for Ironman to become a worldwide phenomenon.

So to start the week off right, leading up to the Ironman Championship Ironman has launched a special section all for KONA. You can find News, Course Maps, Race Coverage and much more, plus on Saturday, October 11th 2008 you can watch the race live on your computer. Get ready finish the season off right, in a chair watching the Ironman.
Cheers

Bike to Work Guide

Many things have change this year, the market has crashed, housing sucks but the best part of all is that more people are biking. With that more are biking to work, you should get familiar with they type of equipment you should have.
Biking to work can save someone loads of money and lots of calories - all the while, the earth, too. But bike-commuting isn't always easy - there are many things a rider needs to know to get to work on time, safely, and happily. Expert bikers Roni Sarig and Paul Dorn teach potential bikers the tips and tricks to traveling to and from work. From buying the right bike, to fueling the body, to road safety, this all-inclusive primer will get bikers on the road in no time. Whether someone is buying a first bike or is a bicycle enthusiast, this book will teach how to: buy the right equipment; pick a route; weather-proof the ride; maintain the bike; follow traffic laws and ride safely; and enjoy the experience! Like a roadmap for the future, this guide teaches bikers how to make a difference in their bodies, wallets, and communities - and get to work - today.

Off Season - Triton Swim Trainer

Perfect for when you can't get in the water and for the days when you just want dry land training. A swim bench is great for this, Triton Fitness has come up with one of the most ergonomically swim devices on the market;

The Triton is to swimming what a treadmill is to running. And so, efficient freestyle swim training can now be accomplished in a 'totally dry' home or health club setting. For any swimmer or triathlete, swimming is a matter of proper technique and endurance; understanding how to move your body correctly and then practicing it over and over until it becomes habit. Practicing proper swim form is the key to becoming a capable and competitive swimmer. The Triton was designed with that in mind and encourages those using it to execute a correct freestyle swim stroke. It allows swim athletes to customize their freestyle stroke paths to replicate exactly how arms move through the water during pool workouts or competition, thus taking dryland to a much higher level of neuromuscular and training benefit. A perfect swim coaching device.
Check it out! Triton Fitness

Late Season Races

Late season races can be fun and less stressful, sometimes cold but in the end rewarding. TriFind.com and Trimapper.com can help with those decisions. Now some of you will be going to Kona some may not and come September or even at this point October be winding down. You can always find a race that will satisfy you and maybe even end the season on a great note. Cool weather, nice water temp, no humidity, less crowds you can go through the list. Try a sprint if you have been training all season a sprint will be a great break from the norm should be a transition from the heavy training. Hey one more race before you pack the gear away from a couple months of needed relaxation try to get one more in, you never know it could be a PR.

Strength For Triathletes

You want to get faster not bigger, you want your body to hold out for the triathlon season, not for the beach. Many things have changed in training ones body and the sport at which you compete. Should I do high reps, low weight, high weight, low reps. Confusing as it sounds it gets tougher when you get older and start to bring in multiple sports into the fold. Strength training different from weight training can mean different things but remember you want to keep it real. Pushing a barbell up 10 times with 135 pounds is nice, a better workout would be 100 push-ups in 6 weeks, building your back, arms and stomach. Trifuel.com has this great article for triathletes, here is what research says:

1. Running economy (RE) is how efficient one is at using oxygen while running. Several studies have suggested that rate RE can be improved through weight training. One study did weight training specifically with triathletes and found that RE as well as leg strength and power was increased.
2. Plyometrics and explosive weight training may be useful for improvements in endurance athletes. Examples of plyometrics would be one foot hops, bounding and skipping to name a few. Explosive weight training would include hang cleans and push press type lifts.
3. Weight training appears to be most effective in using periodization. The weight training should match the periodization phase of the other training leading into the peak race.

100 push ups in 6 weeks

At the end of a rough season you start to think of ways to make yourself stronger for the upcoming year. You have neglected to be in the gym to put more miles in on the bike or run, well the off season is the best time to start. Push up one of the best exercises out can strengthen most of your upper body, hey maybe your gym teacher was not so crazy.

What counts as a pushup?
The palms must be at shoulder-width. The body must remain straight throughout, i.e., no bending at knees or waist. The body must be lowered until at least 90 degree-angle is attained at the elbow and the body is parralel to the ground. The body must then be raised until the arms are straight. This equals one push-up. All pushups should be made on a hard surface. This basic principle applies to all our push-up entries with minor modifications.

So doing 1 push up might be a challenge now but imagine 100, how great would that be! As with all exercises it takes time and finding time is also a challenge, well this little workout takes about 6 minutes three days a week, stick with it and in 6 weeks 100 push ups or close. For a little more incentive you could hire a Trainer, he or she will coach you through and make sure proper form is followed.
Now get going, 6 weeks will be here in no time and 100 push ups with it. Here is the complete program as a PDF link to this with your iPhone so you have it at all times for reference.

Cyclocross, off season fun and training!

THE MOST FUN YOU WILL HAVE OUTSIDE OF RIDDING YOUR TRI BIKE. Cyclocross is amazing, getting the best of both worlds, road biking with the ability to go anywhere. Mountain bike trails, fire trails, roads it is fun. If most of you hate when the season comes to the end, extend the season and get a Cyclocross bike. Races seems to start in August and run into the new year depending on your region. Means you are not stuck inside on a trainer. Here is the racing calendar and the Mercer Cup a US Grad Prix is sure to be great.

"The second weekend of the USGP of Cyclocross returns to Mercer County Park on November 16th and 17th where the racers are sure to face windy, challenging conditions and deep fields from the highly competitive Mid-Atlantic cross scene.

Once again Clif Bar will present it's Kids' Cross Clinic featuring the Clif Bar athletes at the race venue. We follow that up with a Race Number Presentation taking place at Knapp's Cyclery from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. It's a great chance to meet your favorite Pro and check out some great gear at the same time!"

If you are looking for a second training bike or even a third bike the use that a cyclocross bike will give you will extend many years. Even if you buy a second set of wheels and turn your training bike into a CX bike in the off season you will not be disappointed.

Third Eye, See What's Behind You!

Unfortunately the website is not up to the standards of 3rd-Eye product. As more and more are taking to the road whether for training or commuting, having a mirror on your bike is one of the best things that anyone could do. Problems that all mirrors have is once you move your body the mirror is out of position, a little body movement and at least you can see the truck barreling down on you.
Cheers

Laura Bennett, training for gold!

USA Triathlon has a great shot at gold if Laura Bennett is on. This video highlighting Laura's accomplishments and training for the Olympics. Watch it is inspiring.

Olympics are here, GO USA! Medal Count

The Olympics are here, this year is going to be one of the best, minus the smog and the other political crap that goes with it. Take it for what it is, great athletes competing for country and self.
Enjoy and here is the medal count.

Piranha Sports

As race organizers go Piranha Sports seems to have a good hold on how to put on races. Races are well laid out as well as nifty "state" type stickers for each race. Piranha Sports represents three states PA, NJ, and DE. So if you are in any of those locations driving to a tri is not that long 2 hours max, unless you live in Pittsburg.
There are three series that one can compete in:

Greater Atlantic Multisport Series
Greater Atlantic Club Challenge
and
Escape From School Youth Series
Hey if you are looking for races and you live in the greater Tri State Area, check out Piranha Sports I am sure you will find a race to your liking.

LifeSport, That Good!

Ok so there are a number of good if not great places that a Triathlete can get trained. You have Carmichael, who we all know trained Lance Armstrong then there is Cadence Cycling who is up an coming and doing a great job. They have been featured in Triathlete for taking a handful of athletes and getting them ready for the IronMan, Hawaii. Then there is LIFESPORTS who have some top athletes they are training/winning, which makes them a good candidate for the common athlete. So when you have a bunch to choose from how does one decide. Well do research and also look for the athletes that they have already coached, once that has been done you see that LIFESPORTS has a leg up on the competition. Lance Watson and Paul Regensburg combine their talents to provide an athlete with a great experience, from understanding each discipline to getting you in shape what ever the distance/triathlon that you choose to do.

Another factor is Cost and from the looks of things LIFESPORTS is right on par if not cheaper than most out on the market but cost should not be a driving factor, you want to get better, you have the bike the great shoes and put countless miles in the pool, well don't stop there get a good coach whether virtually or one that you see in person, this sport is not cheap get a good year of working with a coach and you will see improvement in your times and finish place.

Here is a Quote from Lisa Bently, 11-time Ironman Champ
“Lance has taught me everything that I know. He has been a tremendous coach and teacher. I totally look to Lance for guidance in my training and in balancing training and life. He truly understands the physiological aspects of training. He explains to me why the training is a certain way and what the benefit is. Believe me, when I see double run or long cycle days, I think he is crazy. But he explains the purpose. He explains how these aspects fit into the macrocycle and then I understand.

As long as I am a professional triathlete, Lance will be my coach. I still have an awful lot to learn, and he is the perfect mentor.”

You decide, better times, better finishes, better fitness or just slight improvements year to year.

THE SUPERIORITY of the HUMAN MACHINE

What More can be said. Your body is a machine that is built to be used. Sometimes hard sometimes light but all should experience the thrill of pushing the body to the limit to see how it reacts. Put aside the marketing push in the video and just take it for what it is, a great statement to what some are whiling to do given the chance.
GET OUT AND SWIM>BIKE>RUN!

Safety Riding, Kids and Adults

Well it is that time of year, vacations, bike rides with the kids, training, well you get the point, summer. During the summer it's hot and putting on the proper protection is sometimes, well, forgotten. Just remember that kids have to wear helmets and you should lead by example. Also the proper shoes, open toe shoe no, even for adults.
Just remember the simplest ride can turn into a bad ending, ruining the rest of you summer and racing schedule.
Keep it safe!

Lake George Triathlon, Sunday September 14th, 2008!

Sailing Lake George has always been one of the best places to race, the Changing of the Colors Regatta is one not to miss. So having a Triathlon there can not only be beautiful but also one of the hardest. The hills and cold lake can only make for a great tri.

The bonus they are giving away money to the winners!

Olympic/International Distance
THIS IS A USAT SANCTIONED EVENT
.9 mile swim / 24.8 mile bike / 6.2 mile run
8:30 a.m. start (new time)!!
Come join us in Beautiful Lake George, New York for our 3rd annual event.
Don’t miss upstate New York’s premier Olympic distance race!

Please note our new date and start time!
The courses will remain relatively the same with slight alterations to the swim and run. Check out the links to the left for further details.
We have a new packet pickup location – The Wingate. The Wingate is located along the run course and is just off of Exit 21. Actually, everything in Lake George is just off of Exit 21 or 22. For more details about packet pickup please see Schedule link (left).

Great technical T-shirts in your SWAG bag this year. We are also working on some other great stuff (Specialized wide mouth water bottles, Beer/soda Koozies (or cozy/cozy/cousie) and more.

Each Entrant is eligible to win a Zipp 404 Wheelset or Xterra Wetsuit, as well as other great raffle prizes!

New this year – Cash Prizes!
Overall Male & Female - 1st - $200, 2nd - $100, 3rd - $75
Masters Male & Female 1st Place Only - $125
Teams overall Male/Female/Mixed - 1st $150

Sign up now – this is a great race!
“This was one of the best run events I have ever experienced. Everything was first rate. The cooperation of the volunteers and police was more than I'd hoped for. Excellent, excellent, excellent.”

“Outstanding. Best organized tri I have attended. Most fun, best volunteers, most energy, very friendly event. The course was great, people directing traffic did an excellent job. Big white markers on the beach (Red Bull) were great to navigate back to shore.”

You Bar - Make and Name Your Own Nutrition Bar

Tired of the same old bars, think you can do better than Clif Bars or Power Bar well here is your chance. Not only can you pick your ingredients but you can name your Bar as well. You pick the base, protein powder, nuts, seed, fruits and berries, sweeteners, seasonings/chocolate, grains/cereals and infusions, best of all you get to name your bar, who know you could be the next Clif bar, remember when Power Bar was the only choice. You Never Know, just pick a clever name.

Anti Butt Irritation

Ok the logo say's it all. This new product on the market win's in funniest logo, not sure it works all that well. BodyGlide is the one that most triathletes use, easy to put on just like underarm deodorant. Now it does come in a power which BodyGlide does not, making it a little less messy, when you pull up your shorts.

"Anti Monkey Butt Powder is specially formulated to absorb excess sweat and reduce frictional skin irritation. • Ideal for butt busting activities such as truck driving, motorcycling, bicycling, horse back riding, and extreme sports. May also be applied inside footwear, under sports pads, and other areas prone to chafing. Indoors or outdoors, work or play, or on occasions when you sit on your butt all day, don’t let your buns get red, use Anti Monkey Butt Powder instead!"

You decide! Anti Monkey Butt

New York City Traithlon

New York Triathlon is upon us, this is one of the biggest if not the biggest Triathlon in the tri-state. Last year 3500 people participated.
Here is what is going on.

Bring your family and friends to Manhattan for a get-away weekend. For information about Broadway plays, top restaurants, Yankees and Mets tickets and other New York City attractions click here.

Friday, July 18, 2008

• 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM UnitedHealthcare Sports and Fitness Expo at Hilton NY
  

• 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Mandatory Age Group Briefings (every half hour, beginning on the half hour), Registration and Packet Pickup at the Hilton New York

• 7:30 PM Chipotle Underwear Run/Central Park, start and finish at the Finish Line.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

• 8:00 AM Doggy Du Mandatory Briefing at Hilton NY with transition tour to follow

• 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM UnitedHealthcare Sports and Fitness Expo

• 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Mandatory Age Group Briefings (every half hour, beginning on the half hour), Registration and Packet Pickup at the Hilton NY
  

• 2:00 PM Pro/Elite Briefing Session
  

• 2:30 PM PC Briefing Session

• 3:45 PM Special screening of "Armed for the Challange," a documentary film on Willie Stewart, 2002 Paralympic Silver Medalist and 3-time Ironman World Triathlete - brought to you by Accenture
  

• 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mandatory Bike Check-in / Riverside Park & 79th Street Ball Field

• 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM RCN High-Speed Transition Zone Bike Tours, every half hour / Riverside Park & 79th Street
  

Sunday, July 20, 2008

• 4:00 AM Athlete Shuttles from Hilton to Transition
  

• 4:30 AM RCN Transition Area Opens / Riverside Park & 79th Street Ball Fields

• 5:30 AM Athlete Shuttles from Hilton to Swim Start
  

• 5:45 AM RCN Transition Area Closes

• 5:50 AM Nautica New York City Triathlon Starts / Swim Start - 99th Street & Hudson River (Wave info will be posted two weeks prior to the race)

• 7:57 AM Doggy Du Start
  

• 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM JetBlue Airways Finish Fest Celebration - awards, entertainment, food, and more / Central Park at Dead Road

• 2:00 PM RCN High-Speed Transition Zone Closes

USA Swimming, Here We Go!

To open the USA Swimming Trails, Michael Phelps does it again in the 400m IM , shaking off nerves and coming from behind, ok not from behind but even with Ryan Lochte to pull off a win and WR. Then Katie Hoff does it also in the 400m IM. The last couple years have been one of the most exciting times in the Swimming world, records have fallen and Michael has been atop of the swimming world. Whether it the suit or just amazing coaching and swimming from the whole USA team this is going to be a great showdown in Beijing. Phelps is set to do 9 events so this could be a record breaking year for USA Swimming, also making Micheal Phelps "THE" most decorated Olympic athlete ever. GO USA

Championship Triathlon Training

GREAT BOOK, takes the sport and breaks it down for all competing in the sport, from beginner to the pro. It even explains the dedication it takes to make it to the next level and what type of commitment it takes.

Book Description

Dedication, passion, obsession--for serious endurance athletes, coaches, duathletes, and triathletes, the quest for improvement never ends. Knowing they can shave time from the previous performance, they seek out the latest in research and training techniques.

In Championship Triathlon Training, renowned experts George Dallam and Steven Jonas provide you with the same advanced conditioning concepts and programming used by today's elite triathletes.

By understanding the science behind the principles, you will incorporate physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and injury prevention into your regimen to address your specific needs and the demands of competition. Specifically, you'll learn these techniques:
Use weight training, plyometrics, and core development to accelerate skill development in all phases of swimming, running, and cycling.
Apply metabolic training to improve endurance and race speed.
Combine sport-specific skills, such as mounting and dismounting, with metabolic training to improve transition times between phases.
Develop more efficient movement patterns for increased performance potential and reduced injury.
Assess health and physical status to avoid overtraining.
Complete with sample programs for each triathlon distance, technique analysis, training- and race-specific fueling strategies, and tips for motivation, focus, and goal setting, Championship Triathlon Training will optimize your training and maximize your results.

Get out and Race!

First let's thank the sponsors of this event. When I get the official logo I will post that as well. The Sandy Hook Triathlon club or Hookers, puts on a great event. Doing races as many as you can handle can only make you better and able to handle the crazy swim that most dread. This event on Father's Day was great. Temp was not to hot, humid though, the water was nice and the course flat and fast. The local Police was on hand and kept the course clear, I can go on and on.
This was a local event and like many states they are happening every weekend. Whether you do a sprint or long course, the experience is valuable and every race that you do will only make you less nervous and faster.
Cheer and get out and Tri!

National Triathlon Training Camp

What to be part of a team, get the swag and get discounts off merchandise, well then NTTC might be a good place to start.

About the NTTC

Founded in November of 1982 by triathletes Mark Wendley and Tom Peters, the National Triathlon Training Camp (NTTC) held the world’s first triathlon camp in Malibu, California in May of 1983. From 1986 to 1994, the NTTC also ran the sport’s most successful racing team, recording over 190 wins and 650 top-10 finishes in triathlons worldwide.

In 2006, after an 11-year hiatus, NTTC returned with a new business plan, a new Title Sponsor, and a hunger to regain our spot at the pinnacle of triathlon. Team Sport Beans/NTTC is being led by a new group of world-class and up-and-coming pros, who have already won 28 triathlons and notched 72 top-10 finishes since 2006. Our pros also work on staff at our triathlon camps and clinics. The team is open to everyone! When you join, you’ll get lots of freebies plus member discounts on NTTC camps, clinics, tours, team apparel and equipment, and much more! We’ve also added the most affordable, fully-customized online triathlon coaching available. Please check out all our programs and enjoy your stay at the NTTC web site. WELCOME!

Mark Wendley
Director, NTTC

For $45 you can be a member of the team and get all this:

• An official Team Sport Beans/NTTC T-shirt. For 2008, the shirts are made of Coolmax® Extreme, high-performance fabric with fresh FX. Coolmax® fabric, through its superior moisture management properties, is proven to reduce skin temperature and lower heart rate during exercise, while maintaining better hydration. It dries 4x faster than cotton, and the “fresh FX” keeps the shirt smelling fresh, even after workouts. These custom, Jersey-knit team T-shirts have big colorful logos and have a retail value over $37 each.
• Free samples of Sport Beans® from the Jelly Belly Candy Company. You'll get 12 1-oz. bags with your initial registration packet - 2 bags each of Lemon Lime, Orange, Berry Blue, and Fruit Punch, as well as 2 bags each of the new Sport Beans® Extreme Watermelon and Cherry.
• An official Team Sport Beans/NTTC Run Singlet (see Men's or Women's) from Champion System, with a retail value of $32.
• An official Team Sport Beans/NTTC Cycling Cap from Champion System.
• A Jelly Belly® baseball hat and Sport Beans® Water Bottle.
• · A pair of Coolmax® XtraLife athletic socks.
• A subscription to both the electronic and printed Team Sport Beans/NTTC newsletters, which are full of team information, workout and racing tips from our pros, member athlete profiles, team results, and other exciting features.
• An official Team Sport Beans/NTTC swim cap from TYR.
• Your name and hometown included on the Club Team Roster on the NTTC web site.
• Your race results posted on the Club Team Results page of the NTTC web site.
• Discounts on attending NTTC camps, clinics, and tours.
• You’ll be eligible to register for NTTC Online Training, which is only available for team members.
• 15% discount on all purchases from the NTTC Sportshop. Our online sportshop features a full line of Team Sport Beans/NTTC apparel and equipment, as well as Jelly Belly’s Sport Beans® .
• Best of all, you will be part of one the sport’s top teams! NTTC returned in 2006 after an 11-year hiatus. Building on the over 190 wins and 650 top-10 finishes our pros recorded in the late 80s and early 90s, our 2006 team won 10 triathlons and our 2007 team won 18 tris! Over the next two years, Team Sport Beans/NTTC will become one of the top teams in the world. And, we want you to be part of all the fun and excitement of our rise to the top!

Take Out The Discomfort When Cycling!

If you are a relatively new rider, you may not know how to prevent the most common mistakes that can lead to physical discomfort during a ride. Even if you have been riding for a long time you can slip into bad habits, and end up hurting more than is necessary.

1. Warm up/Cool down - Allowing your body to gradually come up to 'operating temperature' at the beginning of a ride, and then pedaling a few extra minutes at a very easy intensity at the end of your ride, can both go a long way toward minimizing muscle soreness and increasing both recovery from riding, and adaptation to training.
   
2. Eye Wear - To reduce the risks of this occurring, try wearing sunglasses during every ride.
   
3. Pain in the neck - Try to avoid riding in the same position all of the time.
   
4. Saddle Sore - Investing in a good quality pair (or two) of bike shorts, and then cleaning them after EVERY ride can go a long way toward helping you avoid saddle sores.
   
5. Lubrication - Speaking of that 'private area,' we can't discuss saddle sores without also mentioning lubrication. Though there are a lot of favorite lubes among many different riders, after trying many different things, I've come to rely upon A&D ointment as the best and least expensive lube. 'Chamois Butt'r' also works well.
   
6. Stem Length - Clearly, the most important thing you can do is to have a good fit session with an expert.
   
7. Numb Hands - To keep your hands from going numb always wear gloves during a ride and try a handlebar cushion or some thick bar wrap.
   
8. Back Aches - If you are experiencing some pain, get the advice of a fit expert to be sure you are set up properly, and then remember to include some 'core' training as part of your regular routine.
9. Foot Relief - To increase circulation to your feet you should vary your pedaling techniques (working the 'box') so that you are not putting undo stress on one area.

Full story can be read at Tri Fuel

Black Bear Triathlon, Sunday June 1st!

Black Bear is upon us and for some this kicks off the their Tri Season. CGI Events has a great little series going for all types of levels, and last year introduced a premier Triathlon event to central NJ, NJ State Triathlon coming up for its second year on July 27th. Back to Black Bear everything is looking good for the Tri, except the water temp being in the high 50 to low 60, Jersey Area Multisport (JAM) went out last weekend to report that it was cold, meat thermometer said 58 degrees. To get a clue of how crazy we all are this weekend;
"Water below 60 degrees is dangerously cold, at 40 you become to numb to help yourself in just a few minutes and may become unconscious in as little as 12 minutes. Any immersion over 6 minutes is considered long. This may not be much of a problem in a shallow stream where you can get out quickly but is a problem in a deep fast river, in rapids or in the middle of a lake. Lake Powell water temperature in March is 52 degrees. An average adult has 50/50 chance of surviving a 50-yard swim in 50-degree water."

So keep moving and get out before 12 minutes :-). If you are not registered and would like to see what happens at a Tri event come by and get a glimpse there is a lot to do and see.

Colorado Altitude Training, Walk-In Tent

Tent System Blowout! High Altitude Training is the biggest rage, living in the east you have no choice but to get a CAT, there are three tents models to choose from and two room conversions, now that would be cool, if money was not a factor.
CAT-315

CAT-430

CAT-150

"Since the landmark studies of Ben Levine and Jim Stray-Gundersen in the '90s, Living High - Training Low has become recognized as THE best method for increasing sporting performances.
Compared with the traditional altitude training camp, where the improvements from the time spent at altitude were often negated by the reduced ability to train hard whilst there, "Live High - Train Low" provides the best of both worlds.
CAT's altitude simulation systems mean that this method of training is no longer limited to just those who are fortunate enough to live near the mountains. Furthermore, by removing almost all of the compromises traditionally involved with altitude training, this method has opened the door to benefiting those involved in sorter-distance events where previously the trade-off was simply not worthwhile.

Studies on the left have been grouped into those primarily looking at performances for athletes in aerobic-type activities, and for those involved in anaerobic-type sports."

Seasons Forget Me Not's, RoadID

The season is upon us and taking a little extra precaution is always needed, but forgotten. Unless you carry your wallet, phone or licenses there is no real way to tell who you are if you are unconscious, leaving loved ones and other wondering what to do with you, also it is against the law to not have ID on you.
RoadID has the solution a band that has all your info on it. Where it like a watch and never leave home without it. With gas prices getting as high as they are predicting, more and more will start to take to the road that means more obstacle for drivers to look for while they are on the phone, reading a text message or sending a email that can't wait till they get out of the car.

"If you are a runner, cyclist, triathlete or just a person who doesn't sit on the couch all day, Road ID is for you. This awesome piece of gear not only looks good but it could save your life. In the event of an accident, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. Available in 5 different styles. It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind."
Go get it..

Wheeltags, simply brilliant!

What a way to break the seriousness of training and racing. Wheeltags is a great concept simple yet functional. Wheeltags, are stickers that affix to your black deep dish rims, series one for the spring consists of 13 different tags, plus you can choose custom, where the sky is the limit.

Weekend warriors and pro-teams alike deserve the right to speak their own rim-minds.
Change colors, add corporate logos, drop in text or get your monogram on, the rims are the only limit to your ideas, dreams and marketing needs.
Whatever your motivation may be, the wheeltags custom process is easy, painless and most rewarding.

"Wheeltags are stylized wheel signatures for your cycling personae. Celebrating the power of self-expression with bold colors and vibrant designs, Wheeltags allow you to challenge the nameless rim masses and breakaway from the pack. Tag your ride with the ultimate statement of individuality and roll with style."
Great...

Can't we share, Drivers be aware!

This is a perfect example why cyclist have a tough time on the road. Even a cyclist will have a tough time with this, for Earth Day or Earth Year to have a lasting effect, we all need to be more aware of our surroundings.
So "Can't We Share, Drivers be Aware!"

What it Takes, Film

This is a old film but one that will get you inspired to go train. It really show how and what it really take, what a elite Triahlete gives up. This year 2007 was a break out year for triahtlons, money was being made, USA Traithlon indicated their best year yet. So looking back 2006 really showed how far the sport has come in the last couple years.

What It Takes" follows 4 world-class triathletes around for a year, as they prepare for the world championships in October, 2005.

"At the very top end of the sport, there's a large pool of very good athletes. The physical differences between those athletes are minimal. The people that win are different due to character. That's the #1 thing I look for."
- Murphy Reinschreiber, Agent, PCH Sports

Now get it and get inspired.

Using an old Treo, just in case!

If you have ever had a close encounter, no not the alien kind, but with a car, person, dog, cat, well you get the idea, use an old cell phone or Treo. They have a built in video camera and if you have a SD card 1 meg or more you can capture up to an hour if not more of video. If you get crafty enough you could take it apart and run the lens from your helmet to the device. Hey capture what is going on and have the proof you need when things get rough.
Best.

Finding a pool while traveling, Swimmers Guide can help.

Yes this would be the ideal setting for any triathlete but for living in the North East being stuck in door swimming countless laps is what is in store. Well the trickier part is if you are traveling, how do you find a pool, Swimmers Guide can help, find the country, state, city and you are off, it even gives the water temp of the pool. How great is this.

Swimmers Guide contains the only international, descriptive directory of publicly-accessible, full-size, year-round swimming pools available. There is no resource available in any format with as many pool listings or as much information about each pool as you'll find on this Web site.

This 133rd monthly update of the database since May, 1996, lists 18,380 facilities with 19,572 full-size, year-round swimming pools in 10,457 cities and towns in 165 countries.

Every listing includes:

* The name and address of the pool or facility;
* The area or city code and telephone number for inquiries about hours, rates, schedules, and programs;
* A description of the pool(s) there - always with length and indoor or outdoor location, often with water temperature and number of lanes or width;
* Admission information, including (where available) drop-in prices and discounts for members of affiliated groups and facilities, for senior citizens, and for guests registered at nearby hotels.

Many listings also include:

* A key-word summary of the aquatic programs and activities regularly offered or available at the pool;
* Directions and/or links to street address-specific maps to help find the pool ( 10,669 map links, alone);
* Descriptions of its board and platform diving facilities;
* Contact information for Masters and youth swim clubs and competitive diving, water polo and synchronized swimming teams which train at the pool;
* Links to the facilities' and teams' own Web pages - 15,472 of them, more swimming links than any other Web site!

2XU - Helpful Performance Gear

You have to love equipment that makes you feel faster. Speedo has done it with the LZR Racer, so far it has broken 5 or 6 world records, there must be something in Speedo's water. For 2XU it has been their compression suits they are great, so when they released their new Triathlon clothing one must take notice. Once you put it on it feels like a second skin, incredible thin and shed the water. You almost feel embarrassed it is the tight and fast.

"The Racepro range has been created with the short course athlete in mind. Ultra fast Hydrocell and Rollbar technology enduse valuable seconds are saved at every moment. Racepro garments ensure nothing is left to chance on race day."

Not only do you feel fast you look great and with companies like WINSKINS printing, that will take any product you buy and print your sponsor logo on them well the 2XU suit is design to handle a lot of product placement.

Now go get the 2XU Super Elite Tri Suit and get WINSKINS to make your sponsors happy.

2008 USAT Rankings

The rankings are out and if you are a USAT member, then you can see where you placed amongst the 100,000 other members, or at least the ones that did more than 3 races.
"USA Triathlon is pleased to announce the publication of its first-ever Yearbook, designed to give members an exhaustive look back at the major events from 2007, plus a brief preview of what’s in store for 2008.

The 150-plus-page 2007 Yearbook will be replacing the popular Rankings Issue of USA Triathlon Life and will be the only publication with the full rankings list. But it will include much, much more information on the 2007 season and is sure to be a true keepsake for all USAT members."

Join the USAT today!

Chapin Runathon

Ok there are many things you can do for charity, but the Chapin Runathon is one of the best ways to earn money for charity. In the begining the kids had to go out door to door, or ask friends and family to sponsor them per mile they ran. So the incentive was to run as many miles as you could, also it was 24 hours. Time have changed and so I guess have the laws, it is not 24 hours anymore. Also the school sets up the companies that are going to donate and the miles are added up, money for charity.
Most if not all the people that participate are families and students of the school, they usually get a good turnout.

This is one of the best runs that anyone can do for a workout and it feels good because you are running with 100 of your kids closest friends and family.

Go start one at your school everyone wins.

"Runathon
The Runathon is perhaps Chapin's most cherished annual event. For more than 30 years, Chapin parents, students, faculty, trustees, alumni, and friends have come together on a Saturday in April to walk or run around the Chapin course. With individual pledges and corporate support, more than $23,000 is raised each year to benefit a local charity, selected by the Student Council, and Chapin's Financial Aid Fund The event has supported, among others, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Sunshine Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy's Camp Hollowbrook, Rainbow House, the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, the Loaves & Fishes soup kitchen, Woman Space, Habitat for Humanity, and HomeFront. The past 30 Runathons have raised a total of over $357,000. Net proceeds of the Runathon are divided equally between Chapin scholarships and a local charity."

What to ride to, Hulu.com!

OK the winter is almost up so getting out and ridding is coming, soon. Next year if HULU can hang on and go up against YouTube, spending hours on the trainer won't feel so bad. You can watch almost any show and tons of movies, for free. This is from their "about us" section.
Hulu's ambitious and never-ending mission is to help you find and enjoy the world's premium content when, where and how you want it. We hope to provide you with the web's most comprehensive selection from more than 50 content providers including FOX, NBC, MGM, Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, and more to deliver premium programming across all genres and formats, television shows, feature films, and clips. Watch full-length episodes of current primetime TV shows such as The Simpsons and The Office the morning after they air, classics like Miami Vice and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and clips from Saturday Night Live, Nip/Tuck, and others. Hulu also offers full-length feature films like The Usual Suspects, Ice Age, Three Amigos!, and The Big Lebowski as well as clips from films such as Napoleon Dynamite, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Devil Wears Prada and many more. Hulu is free and ad-supported — available anytime in the U.S.

Hulu was founded in March 2007 and is a joint venture owned by NBC Universal and News Corp. In addition, Hulu has closed a $100 million investment from private equity firm Providence Equity Partners.

Go HULU, Go.

Go Swim! Everything about swimming, plus videos

So you wanted to learn to swim better and reading all these books does not seem to be helping you with your in water technique. Well Go Swim might be your answer. It has drills, practices and video's. Yes videos that actually help you. It is a great site. Here is a actual picture and content from GoSwim.tv,

"As Kara extends forward to initiate her stroke, her eyes are down, with most of her head showing below the surface. This is a comfortable position for Kara because it allows her body to rotate freely and sets her arm up for a great catch."

(the image is much bigger).
So if you are itching to learn how to swim better head on over to GoSwim.tv.